Program Description
The Crete-Monee Early Learning Center (ELC) Preschool Program is designed to serve children who are academically at-risk. Parents of 3 and 4-year old children who are not yet eligible to attend kindergarten for the upcoming school year may contact the ELC for additional program information.
Classrooms
The ELC has various types of classrooms, designed to meet the specific needs of your child.
SMILLE Classrooms (Sensory Motor Integration Language Learning Environments): We have 2 SMILLE classrooms for 3-5 year olds. These classrooms are special education classrooms and have the highest amount of support for your child, with one classroom teacher and three paraprofessionals to accommodate the children’s needs. We have four sections with up to eight students in each classroom.
Early Childhood Instructional Classrooms: These are special education classrooms with a maximum of 10 children, with one classroom teacher and 2 paraprofessionals. We have three classrooms with six sections.
Blended Classrooms: These are general education classrooms with the support of a special education teacher and one paraprofessional. There is a maximum of 15 students. We have seven classrooms, 13 sections because one is an all-day classroom.
Transitional Bilingual Classroom (TBE): A general education classroom with the support of a certified bilingual teacher and a paraprofessional. We have two sections of these classrooms that hold up to 15 students. This classroom is a language-rich environment filled with print and audio resources in both languages. This program supports English Language Learners through the support of their home language.
Transitional Kindergarten Classroom: A general education classroom that is a specialized program intended to provide children with an additional year of growth and development. Criteria: Late summer birthdays and student's birthdays September 2nd through December 31st. This classroom has one teacher and one paraprofessional up to 15 students.
What Does “Academically At-Risk” Mean?
Academically at-risk means concerns in major areas exist that may impact a child’s academic development. These areas include: motor skills, social-emotional skills, speech and language skills, concept development, physical development, health, behavior, attention, family situations, income status.
Please click here for information on Preschool Screening